Air India Flight to Hong Kong Faces Mid-Air Scare, Cabin Crew Uses Napkins to Plug Door Gap

Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Mumbai to Hong Kong experienced tense moments mid-air when a door seal reportedly began shaking and emitting a hissing sound. The incident occurred on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, causing alarm among both flyers and crew. In a quick response, the cabin crew used tissues and napkins to seal the minor gap temporarily and ensure passenger comfort until landing.

The flight landed safely, but the episode has raised fresh concerns about aircraft maintenance.

Unusual Sounds Spark Panic

The flight, operating from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, had just reached cruising altitude when some passengers near the aircraft’s door noticed a loud hissing and vibrating sound. Reports suggest that the seal on one of the doors may have loosened slightly, causing cabin pressure to be disrupted.

Passengers seated close to the area alerted crew members, some visibly shaken by the incident.

Quick Thinking by Cabin Crew

In a situation that could have escalated, the flight attendants took quick action to contain the disturbance. Using paper napkins and tissues, they plugged the small opening and assured passengers that the aircraft remained structurally safe. The flight continued without diverting, and no injuries were reported.

While passengers were unsettled, the crew’s calm and improvisation helped maintain control of the situation.

Maintenance Concerns Surface Again

This is not the first time Air India has faced questions about fleet upkeep. As the national carrier continues its transformation under the Tata Group, such incidents put a spotlight on the need for stringent safety checks, particularly on long-haul international flights.

Tier 2 city passengers from places like Nagpur, Kochi, and Jaipur — who often connect through Mumbai for global travel — are paying closer attention to airline safety records, especially as international tourism picks up post-pandemic.

Passengers React with Caution

Many flyers took to social media after landing, sharing their concerns about the incident. Some praised the professionalism of the crew, while others questioned how such technical faults could occur mid-air.

Frequent travelers and aviation observers have called for a thorough investigation to ensure similar occurrences are avoided in the future.

Conclusion

The mid-air scare on Air India’s Mumbai-Hong Kong flight ended without injury, thanks to the alertness of the crew. However, the incident has reignited the conversation about aircraft safety and routine maintenance. As more Indians, including those from Tier 2 cities, take to international skies, trust in the reliability of national carriers will remain critical.